Last week was a mix of resting, slowing down, getting stopped "at every turn" -- and making strides forward, accomplishing more than initially expected. Receiving support and talking about my inner needs was essential -- which all felt very connected to the Mercury/Pluto opposition and the intensifying Chiron station...

Before we get to this week's forecast, I have one quick announcement:

Sign up for my MONTHLY FORECASTING FORUM, on Tuesday, July 11th, 2017 at 3pm PT/ 6pm ET/11pm BST (London-time). Please note that a Mars/Uranus square will become exact on July 17th and Uranus in Aries stations, starting July 19th(getting ready to go retrograde in August). We are also entering Eclipse season on July 23rd...

This week's headline items: Neptune's station ends on Monday; Venus changes signs from Taurus to Gemini on Tuesday; Mercury changes signs from Cancer to Leo on Wednesday; the Full Moon in Capricorn becomes exact on Saturday night/Sunday very early morning.

There will also be three Moon VoC phases this week: Tuesday late evening (for 3.5 hours), Friday late morning (for 3.5 hours), and Sunday late evening (for a little over 3 hours).

Monday (July 3rd): the Moon remains in passionate, all-or-nothing Scorpio all day. It will journey there until Tuesday night/Wednesday very early morning. We feel things deeply and have "X-Ray Vision" and "Bullshit-Smelling Abilities" ;-)

Emotional authenticity is extremely important to us at this time; anything less than 100% emotional honesty could be perceived as flat-out dishonest. Once we feel safe trusting someone, we want to merge with them, preferably forever... as long as our trust is never betrayed.

The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power. This occurs by a process of subtraction -- it urges us to let go of whatever disempowers us. It's therefore an excellent time to look at "old" fears, limiting habits or emotional attachments, especially those stemming from past traumas.

Moon in Scorpio tends to run right over ambiguity -- it's "in or out", "with us or against us", "love me or leave me". It can therefore be stormy -- a cold winter storm, or a torrid tropical storm of passion, depending on how we "work" the energies :-)

Manipulation and paranoia are the lower vibrations of this aspect, so as best you can, be straightforward -- act in good faith and assume it in others. Best of all, be truly present to the fluctuations of your feelings -- no matter if they're "polite" or "timely". Feelings aren't facts, but they are information -- and heeding them will help you embrace all of who you are.

Know thyself -- and love thyself -- you shall be set free. Remember: Love connects us to the Power within; Fear causes "Force" to show up -- and that's ultimately what disempowers us and others.

Monday evening, an opportune Venus/Chiron aspectbecomes exact at 7:15pm EDT. We started feeling this aspect build from Sunday morning on; it will be strong until this Wednesday. It's an opportunity to bring healing to our wounds around relationships or our sense of self-worth.

We get a chance to love ourselves and heal deep fears of not being "good enough". Healing happens much faster when we can open to forgiving ourselves and others. As best as you can, bring compassion and understanding to yourself, to others, and to those past experiences that wounded you.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in the following: 27-29 degrees of Taurus, Pisces, Capricorn, Cancer, or 0-1 degrees of Gemini, Aries, Aquarius or Leo? If so, you will be more aware of this opportunity. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Taurus or Libra (Venus is the ruler of Taurus and Libra)

Also on Monday, Neptune resumes its normal pace through the sky, although retrograde, ending its station. What has come up in the last four weeks around resting, trusting and allowing? How closely are you in touch with your intuition? Now is a good time to do some internal work in this area (until the retrograde phase ends on Nov. 22nd).

Tuesday at 8:11pm EDT, Venus changes signs from steady, calm, sensualTaurusto chatty, social, versatileGemini. Venus, the energy of love, “relating" and finances will journey through Gemini until July 31st. For the next 4 weeks, we value mental stimulation and frequent changes of scenery in our love relationships.

We love connecting and sharing ourselves with others. As long as we don't get bored, we will stick around -- but as soon as we disengage mentally, we begin to thirst for interesting conversations with new people, in new places and/or situations. Love is playful and lighthearted for the next 3.5 weeks and humor plays a part in all our relationships.

Our finances might fluctuate at this time, as we don't invest in anything for long enough to know whether it would have actually made a profit. That said, this sign-change actually favors financial transactions that benefit from speed, or wide dispersal of resources -- it's a great time for short-term investments.

As best as you can, stay open-minded and flexible toward love and finances. Curiosity towards life and love is a great gift as Venus moves through Gemini -- you never know where things will go at this time — and if nothing else, that attitude makes it hard to be bored for even a second ;-)

Do you have your Ascendant or Sun-sign inTaurusorLibra? If so, you will feel more chatty for the next 4 weeks. Your heart will want to connect to friends and have several activities going all at once. Learning or teaching something new might be just the thing for you to do right now. If you are aGeminiSun-sign or Rising-sign, you are going to have more love and beauty in your life for as long as Venus is in your sign

Tuesday evening, a challenging Mercury/Uranus aspect becomes exact at 8:51pm EDT. We started feeling this aspect build from Monday morning on; it will be strong until Thursday. This aspect creates some tension in our lives: We may feel anxious or stressed by a situation or an interaction with family, or something to do with the home (or real-estate in general).

We'll likely want to think outside the box. We may also want to bring some changes to a life situation or emotional connection that no longer fits. We are being called to play a bigger game and may feel overwhelmed by what it all means. Our minds may be influenced by our feelings about a certain situation -- and we could become irritable.

It might be best to channel some of that nervous energy into constructive pursuits. Since there's a tendency right now to challenge established thought, or play devil's advocate, it's helpful for us to get in touch with our own opinions and feelings -- and to reflect on what we truly believe. If we learn to trust our own thoughts, our intelligence, integrity and ingenuity can shine through.

As best as you can, take it one moment at a time... Collaborate, cooperate, stay objective. Rather than jumping to conclusions, get grounded in the here and now -- your breath (and awareness of your body) is a good way to do this.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 25-29 degrees of Cancer, Aries, Capricorn, Libra or 0-1 degrees of Leo, Taurus, Aquarius or Scorpio? If so, you will be more affected by this aspect.This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Gemini, Virgo or Aquarius (Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo; Uranus rules Aquarius)

Tuesday at 9:34pm EDT,we enter a 3.5-hour Moon void of course (VoC). that lasts until 1:08am EDT (Wednesday very early morning). If you are awake during this intuitive time, use it to connect with others (and with yourself) on an authentic, deep emotional level. Could you permit yourself to trust others and communicate your needs? What if it was safe to let others know what you feel?

As always with a Moon VoC, as best as you can, don't start anything brand-new, stick to routine things, or simply go with the flow. You may also want to plan Tuesday late evening/night ahead of time ;-)

Tuesday night/Wednesday very early morning, a somewhat challenging Jupiter/Neptune aspect becomes exact at 12:19am EDT. We started feeling this aspect build from June 5th on; it will be strong until July 14th. This aspect operates more on an internal level. We feel uneasy about something, almost awkward -- and we need to make a choice… so we need to develop inner awareness.

Positive thinking is not going to take care of everything: We are called to learn more about equilibrium and connecting from the heart. There is a particular emphasis on our beliefs around relationships and creating from a harmonious, balanced place.

As best as you can, stretch your thinking and grow into a "bigger", more compassionate person -- someone in alignment with a higher source, with their intuition. This might be a great time to connect to music or spiritual endeavors.

Routine is particularly unsatisfying now and we therefore might get easily distracted. By remaining flexible and making inner adjustments, we can bring clarity (rather than judgment) to this restless time, and thereby explore our inner connection to divinity on a deeper level. What might be possible if you shifted your internal perceptions about your relationship to the divine? What beliefs about others hinder you from fully trusting your inner knowingness?

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 13-15 degrees of Libra or Pisces? If so, you will be more affected by this opposition.This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Sagittarius or Pisces (Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius; Neptune rules Pisces)

Wednesday (July 5th) at 1:07am EDT, the Moon moves into optimistic, adventurous, truth-seeking Sagittarius, where it will journey until Friday afternoon. We're strongly motivated to explore and learn. We're not likely to be big fans of routine -- diversity and new adventures work best at this time -- we're also physically restless and need to burn that off with activity and physical exercise.

We tend to feel more open, optimistic and inspired -- but we also have a high degree of independence, which means we'd rather inspire others to do things our way, than take orders. Inspiring others could come easier than normal, as we can see the bigger picture, leaving us confident that others will agree with us, once they see what we see.

As best as you can, speak your truth without assuming that everyone is on the same page as you. Improvisation works well for us at this time, as we are spontaneous and love living on the edge -- just watch out you aren't overdoing or overstating things.

Wednesday morning, a harmonious Mercury/Chiron aspect becomes exact at 5:32am EDT. We started feeling this aspect build from Monday on; it will be strong until Thursday. This aspect is a wonderful possibility for deep emotional healing in regards to our conditioning and day to day thinking structures.

We can bring compassion, for ourselves and others, to emotionally "difficult" communications. We are able to allow more for the flow of feelings as we share ourselves; forgiveness and understanding towards ourselves and others comes more easily now in general.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 26-29 degrees of Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio or 0-2 degrees of Leo, Aries, or Sagittarius? If so, you will be most blessed by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Gemini or Virgo (Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo).

Wednesday at 8:20pm EDT, Mercury -- the energy of communication --changes signs from sensitive Cancer to fun-loving Leo. It will journey there until July 25th. During this cycle, we are more expressive -- even theatrical -- and are also more convincing and persuasive, since we exude confidence when we speak or write.

Our mind is more able to connect to our heart, so we tend to feel generous and expressive. This is a great time for gratitude, compliments, connecting to your inner joy and being playful. The only thing that can come between you and your heart is pride; do your best not to put it there.

Do you have your Ascendant or Sun-sign inGeminiorVirgo? If so, you will feel the need for being self-expressed and playful more strongly. If you have a Leo Sun-sign or Rising-sign, you will be more chatty for the next 3 weeks.

Wednesday evening, a harmonious Sun/Neptune aspect becomes exact at 8:46pm EDT. We started feeling this aspect build from last Sunday on; it will be strong until this Saturday. This aspect could be tremendously supportive when it comes to dissolving what no longer serves us.

Our intuition, imagination, and inspiration all seem to be "zeroed in". We go beyond "tolerance", to lovingly embrace differences in others, and give where it's needed with open hearts and hands. All of this also feeds into any creative and spiritual endeavors that start around this time.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career point (or one or more personal planets) in 11-17 degrees of Cancer, Pisces or Scorpio? If so, you will be most blessed by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Leo or Pisces (the Sun rules Leo; Neptune is the ruler of Pisces).

Wednesday late evening, a challenging Sun/Jupiter aspect becomes exact at 10:44pm EDT. We started feeling this aspect build from last Sunday on; it will be strong until this Saturday. This aspect says “stretch and grow!”. There is a feeling of enthusiasm and excitement in the air; it almost seems as if we could move mountains.

Awareness is key: Be alert for undue optimism, that could lead to overextending or over-promising: As best as you can, stay connected to what's real — avoid exaggerations, especially when it comes to your "feeling body".

This is a time for feeling nurtured — provided we don't let ourselves get too overwhelmed by all the possible relationships that are asking to be explored. As best as you can, take it one moment at a time, staying grounded within yourself and honoring your needs.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 11-17 degrees of Cancer, Libra, Aries or Capricorn? If so, you will be more aware of this aspect.This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Leo or Sagittarius (the Sun rules Leo; Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius).

Thursday (July 6th): the Moon remains in optimistic, adventurous, truth-seeking Sagittarius all day (see Wednesday very early morning for details).

On Thursday early morning,we have the opportunity to explore our one-on-one relationships, have an adventure with someone, or do something that excites us. (Moon in Sagittarius sextiles Jupiter in Libra at 5:59am) post for 5am

Towards the evening, we may need to make some inner adjustments. As best you can, honor both your need for adventure and exploration of life and your need for safety and a need to take care of your "inner baby".

You may also feel a pull between introvert and extrovert, or simply fast and slow. Tune in for a moment and see if you need to take a break or at least slow down a little. As best as you can, be compassionate and nurturing with yourself.

Towards the late evening, we get a sense that we must take responsibility for how we feel and make a commitment towards a greater truth -- greater than our conditioning.

Friday morning, an opportune Mercury/Venus aspectbecomes exact at 9:19am EDT. We started feeling this aspect build from Thursday on; it will be strong until Saturday evening. This aspect gives us the opportunity for more direct and caring connections to others.

Through enhanced communication, we have a chance to clear up any misunderstandings. Promises and clarifications may grow from this, particularly in love relationships. It is also an opportune time to make new social contacts. Remember: this is an "opportunity" -- those aren't necessarily handed to us, we have to actively take advantage of them.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career point (or any personal planets) in 1-5 degrees of Leo, Gemini, Aries or Libra? If so, you may be more aware of this opportunity. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Virgo, Gemini, Libra or Taurus (Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo; Venus is the ruler of Taurus and Libra)

Friday at 10:12am EDT, we enter a 3.5-hour Moon void of course (VoC). that lasts until 1:45pm EDT. Use this intuitive time for connecting to like-minded people and learning something new about your unique self. Here's a question to ponder: How wide could your vision for humanity become?

As always with a Moon VoC, as best as you can, don't start anything brand-new, stick to routine things, or simply go with the flow. You may also want to plan Friday late morning/early afternoon ahead of time ;-)

Friday at 1:45pm EDT, the Moon moves into practical, accomplishment-oriented Capricorn, where it will journey until Sunday night/Monday very early morning. We tend to be more realistic, serious, cautious; this can support practical endeavors and financial matters.

Our ambition surges and brings with it a need for structure and planning; when you add in the pragmatism this aspect supports, you can see how this could be a very productive time for business and long-term goals. Our reputation becomes very important to us.

As best as you can during this aspect, avoid "should-ing" on yourself. Take the pressure off, perhaps by saying "I am doing the best I can and that's all I can ever do" ;-)

Saturn is the ruler of Capricorn; it's transiting through Sagittarius right now, making this a great time to explore limiting beliefs and bust through conditioned thought structures -- and those stories we tell ourselves about "what was", rather than what actually "is". It's also a great time to take a more serious look at the "meaning of life".

As best as you can, be authentic about your beliefs: Do they actually match your direct experience of life -- as it is for you now, rather than 5 or 10 years ago? What is true as of now? What is not? This Moon placement also starts the build-up towards the Full Moon (exact on Saturday night/Sunday very early morning). Click here to watch my Full Moon video

Seven minutes after midnight already on Sunday very early morning, at 12:07am EDT, the Full Moon becomes exact in 17 degrees of Capricorn. The entrance of the Moon into Capricorn on Friday afternoon started the energetic build up towards this Full Moon. The Moon in practical, accomplishment-oriented Capricorn opposes the Sun in protective, feeling-oriented Cancer.Click here to watch my video on this subject

Lots of planets are involved in this powerful Full Moon chart: Jupiter, Pluto, Mars, Uranus and Saturn -- and all play an important role, so buckle up!

For the next two weeks, we have a heightened awarenessthat something is out of alignment and must be brought back into balance and re-integrated. The balance in question is between our inner experience (symbolized by Cancer) and our outer obligations or goals (Capricorn). It's important to realize that our long-term goals need our attention -- and that they are the very thing that will bring the fulfillment and inner stability we seek.

Cancer and Capricorn are both receptive “yin” energies, so clearly we are asked to go within before taking action. Cancer says we must recognize our own needs in order to feel internally stable; if we don’t manage this, we’ll give our power away to others, become victims, sacrifice ourselves for family, job, etc.

Capricorn seeks to develop an internalized sense of authority and responsibility. This Full Moon asks us look closely at the balance between taking care of ourselves, versus how we want to contribute to the world at large — in other words, where we have reached our limit, and where we need to set some priorities.

Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, is currently in Sagittarius making a somewhat challenging aspect to Mars in Cancer -- exact at 6:09am EDT onSunday.

This might contribute to either a lack of physical energy or a need to focus on our commitments. Slowing down and quieting down help us for the next two weeks. If we have a better sense of time, we can do less and achieve more.

Ask yourself: What inner attitudes need to be adjusted in order to achieve the things that are in full alignment with what I truly want? How might gentleness with myself and my body support my long-term goals?

Indecision or fear can hold us back from taking direct action, so ask yourself: What is stirring the pot? How might I channel those feelings in a self-responsible way? What might be possible if I took a larger, more long-term view? What if my expectations and approach to the world came from a mature self-understanding?

Saturn also still makes a trine to the North Node in Leo -- this could indicate support from mentors, or at least those older or wiser than us, who have something important to teach us about life, joy, attitudes, etc. What or who could I open myself up to that might change my approach to life? Could I be a little more open to the people and things that bring me closer to joy and playful self-expression?

The Moon rules Cancer; right now it aligns with Pluto in Capricorn -- not only are we focused on our long-term goals, we are also feeling a deep connection to our commitments; in fact, we might get obsessive or hyper-focused on completing a task or project.

This combo also has us take a closer look at the lower vibrations or shadow components of Capricorn -- those parts of us that are domineering, rigid, unforgiving, ambitious in a self-serving way, status-seeking and hierarchical.

In Capricorn, this can also be connected to governments and our society at large -- although it is important to remember that what we see in the outside world is merely a reflection of our inner relationship to our own shadow components. Pluto gives us the ability to face our own fears and release what no longer serves our evolution on an individual and collective level.

As best as you can, be really honest with yourself, and ask:

What is my relationship to control and survival? In what ways do I try to control myself? Others? The world at large? What other feelings get stirred up when I feel out of control? How do I respond or react to situations, people, things or thoughts that stir up a sense of disempowerment in me? What is possible beyond “surviving"?

Mars is in Cancer and in opposition to Pluto: this could very well test our courage and compassion. It is also an opportunity to rebalance the masculine and feminine within ourselves and the world. What if you could be passionate and assertive without being destructive and obsessive?

Something else that many of us will experience, is a stronger than normal pull toward taking things personally. What might be possible if I could keep the focus on myself? Could I simply listen to my own needs and act on them responsibly, without needing to disempower myself or others?

What if there was no need to fear anything — not even fear itself? How might I experiment with being protective and assertive without pushing others away?

Jupiter makes a square to the Pluto/Moon alignment in Capricorn and the Sun/Mars alignment in Cancer -- in other words a T-square with Jupiter as the focal point…

This creates another dynamic in which passions (and feelings in general) may run high. Sexual tension and competitiveness is possible, but this can also be a stimulating, creative, passionate, and invigorating time.

We might need more independence in our relationships -- and patience is most likely not going to be on top of our list when around other people. As best as you can, use this energy to initiate new, deeper relationships -- including the "relationship" with yourself. Take actions to find creative solutions to relationship issues; give your body time to connect to nurturing, safety and stability.

How might I be able to strengthen my connection to the wisdom of my body (and my inner roots)? What activities might help me feel more grounded and safe in the world? How can I nurture myself to the point that I am at once connected to others and yet completely independent? What would it look like to stand in my power and grow and evolve with the support of others?

Mars in Cancer makes a Square to Uranus in Aries (exact on July 17th). This aspect asks that we get in touch with our desires and break away from anything that is holding us back. We may feel restless and impatient; we might also become very demanding and difficult to please. We tend to feel like progress is too slow and we are tired of waiting.

This is a possibly explosive time, as a rebellious urge within us presents an emotional challenge — and circumstances could challenge us in such a way that we need to change our goals or actions. Stay as grounded as possible and keep breathing! Flexibility and open-mindedness is very helpful.

What in my life feels stagnant and needs to change? Where am I able to take innovative action? How might I be able to channel this restless energy into projects that are asking for progress? How might physical exercise help channel this impulsive energy? What kind of exercise might be an energetic match?

We will also address Uranus and Mars in more detailin our next Forecasting Forum on July 11th; If you want to know how the Mars/Uranus Square will impact you personally, feel free to join us -- we will apply what's coming up to our own birth charts. For more info or to register, click here

Chiron is still stationing in almost 29 degrees of Pisces and therefore exalted -- and it's making a trine to the Sun in Cancer (just like Neptune).

This creates a supportive environment for healing our insecurities -- we can bring greater awareness and a nurturing approach to our feelings of shame and any self-deprecating thoughts or behaviors. This is also a great time to recognize that our so-called flaws and insecurities have become some of our best assets and strengths. Ask yourself: Where might this be true for me?

Neptune's involvement with this Full Moon softens the intensity of the Pluto/Mars connections to it, by reminding us of our spiritual/divine origin and our identity as a being of the cosmos. As best as you can, use compassion and whatever ability you have to connect to the inner observer/witness, to help balance the Cancer/Capricorn polarities.

Ask yourself: Could I acknowledge my human need for safety and belonging? Could I allow myself to notice the awareness that perceives all needs and desires, and is also beyond them? Could I rest as that awareness -- just for this now moment?

So, to sum up the message of this Full Moon: we are definitely being called to stretch ourselves, to grow and evolve. We need to be happy and whole. When we experience inner balance, we can be both powerful and kind; we can honor both ourselves and others and know how to access both our head and our heart.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 15-19 degrees of Capricorn, Cancer, Libra or Aries? If so, you are more affected by this month's Full Moon. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign inLeo or Cancer(the Sun rules Leo, the Moon rules Cancer).

Sunday late evening at 10:12pm EDT: a Moon void of course (VoC) begins now; it runs for a little over 3 hours, ending at 1:35am EDT. If you are awake during this intuitive time, you may be aware of two seemingly conflicting desires: On the one hand, a need for serious, diligent accomplishment -- and on the other, a desire to break free and rebel against obligations.

As best as you can, take some breaks, and "let your freak flag fly" -- just for a moment -- and revel in it! As always with a Moon VoC, as best as you can, don't start anything brand-new, stick to routine things, or simply go with the flow. You may also want to plan Sunday night ahead of time ;-)

A head's up for next Monday (July 10th): Right after midnight, a Sun/Pluto opposition becomes exact at 12:35am EDT. We started to feel this from Friday on; it will be strong until next week Wednesday. At 1:35am EDT, the Moon moves into freedom-loving, forward-thinking Aquarius, where it will journey until Wednesday late morning. More about all the details in next week’s forecast ;-)

One More Announcement:

Join me for my next FORECASTING FORUM, on Tuesday, July 11th, 2017 at 3pmPT/ 6pm ET/11pm BST (London-time). Please note that a Mars/Uranus square will become exact on July 17th and Uranus in Aries stations, starting July 19th(getting ready to go retrograde in August). We are also entering Eclipse season on July 23rd...

We will address these planetary movements in relationship to our own birth charts. If you want to know how all of this is going to impact you personally, join me live or sign up for the mp4-video presentation.

Here are some testimonials from two of our participants right after joining our most recent Forum:

"I'm very pleased - great Forum and good info. I look forward to listening again and reflecting on what you told the others. Good way to learn Astrology by hearing all the examples. Thanks!" -- Marlene S.

"I've been trying to come up with some helpful feedback to send about the Monthly Forums. In the end, all I can say is that I really love them and am learning so much!" -- Andrea H.